Disassembled Engine to Block

[DC2LV]

I have a 1973 Fiberform with a Mercruiser 888 (Ford 302 188 HP) that I bought cheap for a project. The oil was chaulky white/gray, so I disassembled the engine down to the heads in hopes of finding a leaky gasket, but all the seals seem to be in tack. There is some surface rust and pitting on the rods, but everything else looks to be in new condition. There is no rust on the plugs, the pistons look good as well. I inspected the block and could not find any cranks and the heads don't show any warping. Where else can the water come from to get in the oil?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Disassembled Engine to Block

How do the exhaust manifolds look? You may want to get them checked.<br />I had a bad headgasket but when i took it apart the gasket looked ok.<br />Put it all back together with marine gaskets and try it out.<br />Good Luck!<br />Welcome to Iboats

 

[DC2LV]

Re: Disassembled Engine to Block

I found a box set of automotive gaskets on the boat with the head gaskets missing. I think the previous owner used car parts to replace the head gaskets. I will buy a new set of gaskets and reassemble. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Disassembled Engine to Block

Where else can the water come from to get in the oil?

From a Crack in the Blocks waterjacket........

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Disassembled Engine to Block

pitting on the connecting rods? I would not reuse them.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Disassembled Engine to Block

If the last owner used auto head gaskets..that was not good.Could be your problem.<br />Mine had auto head gaskets on it when i bought the boat.Within 2 weeks i was tearing it down to replace all the gaskets..<br />I wonder if they used the auto exhaust gaskets on your motor too?<br />Napa stocks the marine sets...same part numbers as sierra..

 

[DC2LV]

Re: Disassembled Engine to Block

Update. One of the two guides (ringlets) that line up the heads to the block is bent in and I can see surface rust around part of it and the head bolts were reused with no sealing compound. Does anyone know the correct name for the guides? I will find new guides and I've ordered new head bolts and reassemble.

 

[rplky]

Re: Disassembled Engine to Block

I believe they are called head alignment dowels, what we called them at Jasper engines anyways... good luck...